NYPD Hiring Freeze and Budget Cuts: Mayor Adams' Painful Measures

The NYPD will freeze hiring of new police officers as part of city budget cuts set to be announced by Mayor Adams on Thursday. The hiring freeze comes as the NYPD's uniformed ranks remain below pre-pandemic levels, and major felonies in the city have increased. The move marks a significant concession by Adams, who had previously vowed to increase the NYPD's ranks. The Police Benevolent Association criticized the decision, warning of a public safety disaster. The budget update is also expected to include cuts to the FDNY's overtime spending and training sessions. The budgetary fallout will impact all city agencies, and progressive Democrats have expressed concerns about potential cuts and the administration's spending on asylum seekers.